Churchill Dam

The Churchill Dam is on Churchill Lake in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. It is a non-FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) dam and is not used to produce hydropower. The Allagash is located in Piscataquis and Aroostook counties in Maine. The waterway is 92 miles long and is a popular area for recreational activities, such as canoeing, rafting, and camping. The Allagash River and the associated lakes are designated 'wild' under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This designation has created controversy over state management and access to the waterway.

History
The Churchill Dam was built in 1846 by the timber industry. It was built at the northern end of Churchill Lake. It was originally called the Heron Lake Dam. Read more...

Upstream of Churchill Dam

Water flows into Eagle and Churchill Lakes from smaller streams originating in the Appalachian Mountains. This water then flows through Churchill Dam and downriver until it eventually reaches the St. John River. Read more...

Downstream of Churchill Dam

The water from Churchill Dam runs north into the Allagash River. The Allagash River is in a very remote area with few major settlements along its banks. Read more...

Current Issues

Churchill Dam is currently used to maintain water levels in Churchill and Eagle Lakes. In addition, the dam is used to control water flow in the Allagash River. Most significantly, the dam provides the river with enough water during the summer months to allow canoeing and rafting. Read more...

The Future of Churchill Dam

Debates over access to the Allagash Waterway are occurring now. Read more...